COVINGTON, Ky. (March 12, 2022) – The John A. Roebling Bridge restoration project continues as engineers work to design plans for additional repairs to address deeper masonry stone deterioration uncovered in a section of the archway during the project. The project is on track to reopen this spring to vehicular traffic.

“Like the citizens and businesses in Covington and Cincinnati, we are eager to reopen the bridge but we’re committed to doing it right by not cutting any corner that may compromise safety,” said chief district engineer, Bob Yeager, “Repairing a structure this old sometimes means making necessary adjustments in repair plans to address things that can only be best seen once you’re ‘under the hood.’ Our consultants and crews are working as hard as they can to safely recommission this historic structure.”

The bridge, which spans the Ohio River and officially opened on Jan. 1, 1867, has been closed to vehicular traffic since Feb. 15, 2021 for extensive maintenance. A pedestrian sidewalk has been open throughout the project and will remain open during the project extension.

The Roebling Bridge ordinarily carries about 8,100 vehicles a day. Alternative crossings are the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (US 25) or the 4^th Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (US 27). 

Restoration Update Video

Everyone in the region is familiar with the John A. Roebling Bridge. It is the oldest and most photographed bridge along our stretch of the Ohio River. Now, bridge walkers can access a virtual tour and learn some of the history, construction, and engineering behind the famous structure.

The volunteer-led Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee (CCSBC) has developed a virtual version of the in-person informational tours it has given in the past. After the members designed an inventive (and Kentucky Department of Transportation-approved) way to attach brackets so they are visible along the walkway, the group installed QR Code plaques that bring walkers directly to the tour pages on the RoeblingBridge.org website.

There are 3 unique tour stations, with QR Code plaques placed strategically along the length of the bridge for walkers heading either north or south. The tour stations include the Anchor Houses, the Towers, and the Midspan. During each tour, which lasts less than 3 minutes, narrator Dave Akers shares old photos, along with drawings and new photos, that explain details of the bridge’s structure. He also explains the changes that have been made to the bridge since it was opened for use in 1867.

The CCSBC is a nonprofit organization that provides and maintains the flags that fly on the north and south towers, the decorative pier lights, and “necklace” lights on the bridge’s span. The group also promotes public awareness of the bridge. These new tours will help visitors to the bridge understand and appreciate the history and engineering of this John Roebling masterpiece.

More information about the bridge and the CCSBC can be found at https://roeblingbridge.org/.

The Kenton County Public Library visited the Roebling Bridge for an update on the 2021 Restoration. Great photos and information from when the bridge was first constructed.

Restoration Update Video

The Covington Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee takes care of the decorative lighting, flags and promotes our historic Roebling Suspension Bridge. The flag pole line on the south tower was stuck. The National Flag Company sent a pole climber to the rescue! Check out the links below to see pictures and video of the pole climber. 

Roebling Bridge Facebook

National Flag Pole Climber

The John A. Roebling Bridge: Fixing a national historic landmark takes time and patience.